Student Manual

Silliman Education

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History

Silliman University was founded as Silliman Institute, an elementary school, on August 28, 1901, by the Board of Foreign Missions of the Presbyterian Church in the USA under the terms of a gift from Dr. Horace Brinsmade Silliman, a philanthropist of Cohoes, New York. Its first president was Dr. David S. Hibbard.

The history of Silliman is a story of growth consistent with high standards. In its early years, it was a single college with various departments, some of which developed into colleges. In 1921, the Silliman Bible School (later to become the Divinity School) was established in cooperation with the American Board of Foreign Missions, representing the Congregational Churches of the United States. In 1936, the Philippine National Assembly passed a law establishing requirements for institutions to qualify for university status. Silliman received full recognition as a university in 1938. Silliman continued to receive from the Presbyterian Board and the American Board (now the United Church Board for World Ministries) grants for land, buildings and equipment. In addition, these Boards provide the University with American faculty and staff personnel. Two other American boards have contributed personnel and funds: the Board of Missions of the United Methodist Church and the United Christian Missionary Society of the Christian Churches (Disciples of Christ). In 1957, the United Board for Christian Higher Education in Asia (UBCHEA) in New York assumed responsibility for channeling all American aid to the University. UBCHEA is an internal organization supported by ten Protestant mission boards. It assists and sponsors colleges and universities in Asia.

Vision

A Christian institution leading in total human development for the well-being of society and environment.

Mission

• Infuse into the academic learning of our stakeholders core values anchored on the gospel of Jesus Christ towards developing individuals of faith, character, and competence;
• Instill in all members of the University community social consciousness, care for the environment, and a deep sense of justice for societal well-being;
• Cultivate resilient and globally competitive academic community competent in knowledge production and innovation, positively contributing to sustainable development;

Goals

• Vibrant Christian life among students, faculty, staff, administrators, alumni, and the community;
• Diverse studentry and globally competitive graduates with character through academic excellence;
• A community of leading academics, knowledge producers, and highly efficient human resource;
• World-class facilities, innovative systems and processes responsive to the needs of the stakeholders;
• Viable and sustainable financial and other resources;
• Mutually supportive relationship with the alumni imbued with a profound sense of the Silliman spirit;
• Mut Heightened social awareness and constructive engagement in peace, justice, and national and global development initiatives;
• Responsible and accountable stewards of the environment and other resources.

Values

Silliman University as a Christian Institution promotes the values of:

• Love
• Patriotism
• Diversity and Inclusiveness
• Excellence
• Creativity and Innovation
• Justice with Compassion
• Honesty and Integrity
• Accountability and Transparency
• Respect and Humility
• Care for the Environment

5 Cs and Whole Person Education of Silliman

Silliman’s goal of building competence, character and faith anchored on the Gospel of Christ aims for the development of the whole person. It believes that success and fulfillment are achieved when one views himself of herself in relation to the larger community. Silliman therefore envisions genuine quality Christian education as a result of an interaction of experiences from at least five venues: the classroom, the Church, the cultural center, the (athletic) court, and the community.

The Classroom

The classroom is a major component of the “second home” of students. Teaching at Silliman is made to challenge students to question prevailing concepts and theories, and find meaning in them in their day-to-day activities. Important to Silliman University is a mentoring system that walks students through the learning process of life.

The Church

Christian faith is the foundation of a Silliman education. Various activities to nurture faith, education, worship, fellowship, and service are in store for Silliman students all year round. These activities are planned and organized to meet the changing needs and preferences of the students. Church activities are also designed and organized in a way that does not discriminate students from other religious denominations.

The Cultural Center

The Culture and Arts Council stages five shows every semester to develop appreciation for the arts. The shows are staged at the Claire Isabel McGill Luce Auditorium, which is considered to be the “cultural center of the south.” Through the overall culture and arts program of the university, Silliman students get a taste of the works of nationally and internationally acclaimed literary, visual and performing artists throughout the school year. Season tickets at subsidized rates are made available to the students.

The (Athletic) Court

Sports play an equally important part in the life of a Silliman student. The campus provides facilities for ball games, swimming, contact sports, track and field and archery. Silliman University is proud to have produced some Olympians: Mark Javier, Jennifer Chan and Lisa Ygnalaga in archery, and Simeon Toribio in long jump.

The Community

Service-learning and volunteerism are vital components of all academic disciplines in the university. Students are challenged to test theories and principles through actual community work. With identified partner communities, Silliman students develop and implement projects and programs, integrating expertise in business development, health care, legal management, and environmental advocacy. Sustaining this thrust at the international level, Silliman collaborates with other academic institutions in U.S.A., Japan, Korea and other countries, in an international service-learning program designed to foster cultural understanding and address social concerns through a multi-sectoral approach.

*Visible Outcomes and Operational Indicators of a Good Silliman Graduate (Institutional Graduate Outcomes)